SNOWBORD: With dual Olympic medals, multiple X-Games podiums and countless other titles to her name, snowboard superstar Torah Bright knows what is needed to succeed on the world stage.

So when the 2010 Olympic Champion sees a youngster coming through the ranks who is achieving things even she didn’t at a young age she is obviously going to be impressed.

15-year-old Emily Arthur is that youngster who has caught Bright’s eye.

Hailing from Sydney’s Woronora Heights, Arthur is set to compete at the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Winter Games and could eventually be the heir to Bright’s lofty throne.

“I met Emily at the World Champs last year which was awesome,” said Bright.

“I remember it quite well because she was there with her brother and it reminded me of how me and my brother were in that same stage of our lives.

“It is really cool now to hear of how she is doing, her results on the Rev tours and that she is riding as much as she can, which is exactly what she needs to do.

“If she keeps going the way she is I’m sure she’ll be on track to achieve whatever she wants.”

Arthur was one of the stories of the 2015 World Championships when at just 15 she finished 16th in the 22 strong field.

Bright finished with bronze at the event but admits Arthur’s presence as one of the toughest competitions on the circuit was impressive.

“It’s crazy to think that she was at the World Champs when she was 15.

“That was about the same age that I was first starting to go overseas but I wasn’t doing anything like that at that age. Those types of experiences are invaluable.”

While Australia’s most successful snowboarder is still at the top of her game, she knows there are a host of young Aussies that are quickly rising through the ranks.

“It’s great to see the momentum by all the young snowboarders in Australia.

“I watch videos of a lot of the youngsters and say to myself – wow, who is this!

“It’s really cool to see people loving the sport and taking the steps they need to in order to be the best they can be.”

Arthur grew up idolising Bright and fondly remembers following her Olympic and X Games triumphs.

“Ever since I was a kid I watched Torah at the X Games and when she won gold at the Olympics I got a phone call from my mum when I was at school,” said Arthur.

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel with her and she is just super nice and has a really positive outlook on snowboarding.

"She is a great role model to have because she has done so much for the sport. Torah is amazing and I’ve always looked up to her.”

For Bright, it is hearing such stories that makes it all worthwhile.

“It’s funny to hear that I am someone that athletes like Emily look up to.

“I still feel that I’m a bit like a giddy 15-year-old riding and it does make my heart warm when I hear stories like Emily getting a call from her mum about my win in Vancouver.

“It is pretty special that my achievements do inspire others.”

Arthur’s recent success both domestically and overseas has all but assured her a position at the second Winter Youth Olympic Games that kick off in Lillehammer on February 12.

Bright believes the event could be the start of something special for the youngster.

“It’s up to her as to how far she can go.

“The mind is a really powerful thing and when the heart and the mind work together and she is all good physically then there is no reason as to why she can’t be at any event that she wants to be at.”

Arthur is set to line up as a part of a 15-strong Australian team that will also feature athletes in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, figure skating, freestyle skiing, ice hockey (skills challenge), luge and short track skating.

The Lillehammer Games will include many of the venues from the Winter Games in 1994 with 1,100 young athletes from 70 nations competing in 70 events. It will be a competition and education experience the athletes will never forget.

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au